Lesson Plan
Discovering Resilience with Silly Lily
Grade Level: 1st–3rd Grade
Subject Areas
: Reading, Health Education, SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Duration: 1 hourMaterials Needed:
Copies of Silly Lily and Her Feeding Tube (1 per class or group)
Drawing paper, crayons/markers
Soft discussion ball (or plush toy)
“My Superhero Self” template
Feelings emoji cards (optional)
Chart paper for Kindness Poster (optional)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
Understand what it means to live with a chronic illness in an age-appropriate way.
Recognize and celebrate resilience, both in the story and in themselves.
Practice empathy, listening, and respectful sharing.
Creatively express their own strengths and challenges.
Lesson Flow
1. Welcome & Feelings Check-In (5–7 minutes)
Greet students and explain you’ll be learning about a brave girl named Silly Lily.
Ask: “How are you feeling today?” Show feelings using faces, thumbs, or emoji cards.
Introduce the Silly Lily Foundation in simple terms (ex: “They help kids feel seen, included, and brave no matter what their bodies look like or need.”)
Emphasize how everyone is special and has a story that deserves kindness and respect.
2. Interactive Read-Aloud (20 minutes)
Read Silly Lily and Her Feeding Tube aloud.
Pause for guided questions:
“What do you think Silly Lily is feeling right now?”
“What would you say to Silly Lily if you were her friend?”
Optional vocabulary spotlight: “Feeding tube,” “resilient,” “included,” “hospital,” “brave.”
3. Circle Discussion with the Kindness Ball (10–12 minutes)
Using a soft discussion ball or plush toy, take turns answering:
“What was your favorite moment in the story?”
“How might a feeding tube change someone’s day?”
“Have you ever felt different or needed help?”
“Who helps you feel strong when things are hard?”
4. Creative Activity – “My Superhero Self” (15 minutes)
Distribute drawing templates or plain paper. Instructions:
“Draw yourself as a superhero!”
“Think of a special power you have—not just muscles, but maybe kindness, bravery, creativity, or being a great helper!”
Optional writing prompts:
My superhero name is…
My power is…
I use it when…
5. Share & Celebrate (5–7 minutes)
Invite a few volunteers to show their superhero selves.
Reflect together: “What did we learn about ourselves today?” “How can we be kind like Lily?”
Affirm: “Everyone has something amazing about them—even if you can’t always see it.”
Extension Ideas / Follow-Up
1. Create Cards or Drawings for Real Kids
Coordinate with the Silly Lily Foundation to send letters or artwork to children who receive Silly Lily books.
2. Kindness & Inclusion Poster
Make a class poster: “Ways We Can Be Like Silly Lily” Students add drawings or words: “Help a friend,” “Say kind things,” “Be brave,” etc.
Standards Alignment (Optional)
Common Core ELA: RL.1.1, RL.2.3, SL.1.1, SL.2.4
CASEL SEL Competencies: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills
